56492 Class 108 Driving Trailer Composite Lavatory
Home Railway |
Location History |
Dean Forest Railway Apr 92-Present |
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Current Location |
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Current Status |
Operational |
Visited Railways |
Aberthaw Power Station (Open Day) May 97 |
Current Livery |
BR Green (Speed Whiskers) |
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Cardiff Cathays (Contract repairs) Sep 10 |
TRA Designation |
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Partner Vehicle(s) |
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Owner |
Dean Forest DMU Group |
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Website |
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Record Last Updated |
16 November 2024 |
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Preservation Modifications |
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Preservation Information 56492 had some seats removed during the internal restoration and a buffet constructed in their place, to serve DFR passengers better. The buffet has been updated a number of times. In October 1993, 56492 was launched into passenger service. The summer of 1996 saw the vehicle repainted into BR Green with speed whiskers. In June 1996 the vehicle starred in the first "DMU Day", which evolved to become the annual railcar conventions hosted today. In 1999 the vehicle's tyres were turned. In February 2001, a new cab front was fitted. In autumn 2002, new cab lino was fitted. In October 2003, 56492, by this time paired with 51914, played a key part in the Tufts Shuttle being extended to Whitecroft. In March 2004, the buffet was refurbished and updated. In 2005, the bogies were changed and the roof water tanks removed. In December 2005, 56492 &51914 played a key part in the first services to Parkend. 2007 saw the roof repainted and the vehicle having a “bit” part in Casualty! The buffet was also updated again during this time. 2008 saw the vehicle repainted green, he preparation for which was done in such a way that the vehicle needed not to be withdrawn from traffic. In 2009, the vehicle had an interesting role as a driver training vehicle for Arriva Trains Wales. In September 2010 the vehicle's tyres were turned. During 2015 56492 ran as a 2-car set with 50619and accumulated almost 700 miles in service. In December it was taken into the railway's "paint tent" where the cab end was repainted and whiskers/lining reapplied. The opportunity was also taken to repaint the roof. In 2017, 56492 ran 1,336 miles as part of a 2-car set with 50619, as repairs to normal partner 51914 had been ongoing. In 2018 and 2019, in need of some work and with regular partner 51914 under overhaul, 56492 was not used. However, during the first half of 2020, the vehicle received some attention to return it to traffic. It re-entered service, paired with 51914, in the latter half of 2020. For 2021 it was reformed back original partner 50619 to celebrate the 30th anniversary of DMU's on the Dean Forest Railway. In 2022, 56492 operated 298 miles paired with 50619 and including some interesting 4-car & 6-car formations. 2023 saw 56492 & 50619 work all of the 17 DMU running days that year, clocking up 587 miles. They were strengthened to 3 and 4 cars on a handful of those days. |
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Future Plans |
Interior
The rear saloon inside M56492, showing the buffet conversion, 23/4/22. Chris Moxon |